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This is directly from the RFL about all clubs.

engage Super League set for geographical expansion

The engage Super League will have two new additions next year after the RFL today announced that the 12 existing top flight clubs have been awarded three year licences together with Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds.

It means, for the first time in the competition’s 13 year history, that Wales will have its own Super League side, in the Bridgend based Crusaders, as well as a presence in England’s second largest conurbation, the cities of Salford and Manchester, through the Salford City Reds.

The decision to award licences to Celtic and Salford also means that engage Super League will have a greater geographical footprint than ever before from 2009. Games will be in played in England, France, Scotland - following confirmation last week that the Magic Weekend will be held in Murrayfield next May – and Wales.

Richard Lewis, the RFL’s Executive Chairman, said: “This is a historic day for Rugby League and we are once again being innovative and leading the way in British sport by implementing a licensing system that will improve standards both on and off the field in the elite competition.

“We believe licensing has already served to galvanise the sport, stimulating clubs into addressing the issues of facility improvements, spectator comfort and the production of more players

“Fundamentally, and at its heart, licensing promotes improvement in standards across the board. It creates stability and yet crucially keeps open the route into Super League for all aspiring clubs who can demonstrate the required standard. It is a better and fairer way of a club entering engage Super League.”

According to the RFL the current system encourages short term decision making, and in some cases exclusive investment in the first team. It can also result in the very destructive yo-yo scenario where clubs overstretch themselves to either gain promotion or avoid relegation.

Lewis added: “A three year licence provides an environment where by clubs will be able to look long term, giving them a sounder base to invest off the field as well as on it. This will lead to improvements in stadiums, training facilities and club management as well as the production of junior players who will be given greater opportunity to play first team rugby.”

By increasing the number of teams in engage Super League to 14, implementing the licensing system, and expanding the geographical spread of the competition, the RFL has met a number of objectives set out in its Super League strategy 2005-2008.

At the same time Lewis predicted a very bright future for the sport at The Co-operative National League level where from next year clubs will be playing for a prize fund in excess of £200,000, with the winners of National League One scooping £100,000.

Richard Lewis said: “Congratulations must go to the 14 clubs who have been awarded Super League licences but also the five that have missed out on this occasion.

“We appreciate that inevitably some clubs will be disappointed by today’s announcement. However, our exciting plans for the Co-operative National League will ensure that they remain part of a successful and vibrant competition.

“Today however, is about Super League. It is about making significant progress towards our vision of creating the world’s best rugby league competition.

“Licensing will undoubtedly help us to create great clubs whose athletes produce terrific contests, played out in modern facilities in front of large crowds.”

The decision to introduce licensing to engage Super League was taken over a long period of time and involved consultation with all clubs in the engage Super League and The Co-operative National Leagues.

Following their approval, clubs were invited to take part in ‘dry runs’ during 2006 and 2007 so they could be well prepared for the real thing early this year.

Clubs had to submit their applications to the RFL by 31 March 2008 in the knowledge that their submission would be assessed in four main areas: - stadium facilities, finance and business performance, commercial and marketing, and playing strength including junior player production development.

Nineteen clubs submitted bids to the RFL and since March extensive analysis of the applications has taken place. The independent RFL Board then decided which 14 clubs should be awarded Super League licences for 2009-2011. They are: (in alphabetical order)

* Bradford Bulls
* Catalans Dragons
* Castleford Tigers
* Celtic Crusaders
* Harlequins RL
* Huddersfield Giants
* Hull FC
* Hull KR
* Leeds Rhinos
* Salford City Reds
* St Helens
* Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
* Warrington Wolves
* Wigan Warriors

Craig Spence RFL Communications Manager 0113 2375581/07921 899106

Andrew Whitelam RFL Media Manager 0113 2375049/07770 993366

SUPER LEAGUE LICENCE ANNOUNCEMENT 2009-2011

SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS

BRADFORD BULLS

The Coral Stand offers good hospitality but the remainder of the stadium requires improvement and there are some development plans. The club has historic and projected profits and operates without the need for shareholder support. The club is known for its game day experience and has positive brand alignment to national partners. Attendances are not as high as in previous seasons, however the club remains one of the most well supported. Excellent Super League results over the years are backed by a strong playing department, although the club appears to have a slight overseas reliance.

CATALANS DRAGONS

Gilbert Brutus represents a sound functional stadium with further investment planned over the next 12 months. Although there are differences in the formalised game day operations between the countries, the match day experience is positive for supporters. The financial information regarding projections was not as detailed as it could have been and the club has been reliant on shareholder input. A Challenge Cup Final appearance helped the financial position and further capital injection is planned. As was anticipated, the club’s crowds and merchandising have improved considerably over the three year period from a low base before the introduction into Super League. The commercial plan appears reasonable but would have benefited from further evidence. On the playing side, the first team are producing good results and are introducing more French trained players. The club needs to advance its fledgling youth development processes. Commercial success and increased player pool prove that the introduction of a French club into Super League has been vindicated.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Whilst well maintained, the ground is limited and old fashioned. However, the club recognise this and has relatively advanced plans for a new stadium. Financial projections are based on the new ground, although there is evidence of a Plan B. The club is well managed financially with limited external borrowings and/or shareholder funds. The club has produced a holistic commercial plan, has a record of commercial achievement and achieves strong support even when relegated. The club’s reasonable playing infrastructure has been hurt by the yo-yo-ing between Super League and National League. The club has maintained youth pathways but has not always been able to secure the best local talent.

CELTIC CRUSADERS

Whilst well maintained, the ground is limited and old fashioned but there is a commitment to immediately enhance the current facilities. In the medium term the club recognises the need to develop a new facility and appears to be working with the local public agencies to deliver this. As with any new venture, financial projections are more subjective but the club has demonstrated financial stability during its progress through the National Leagues. The club has built good relationships with commercial partners and TV channel S4C offers exciting opportunities. There is supportive independent market research for Super League in South Wales, although inevitably this can only be fully tested by the club’s actual participation in the competition. The playing infrastructure is very good in places but the club is understandably at the early stages with its scholarship and academy teams.

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS

Whilst the stadium is well maintained and of a good standard for the National Leagues it would require further investment to achieve Super League minimum standards. The club’s finances appear stable from the information provided. The club has a good community programme and has secured some positive and creative media coverage in the last year. However, the club faces competition for crowds from current Super League clubs within the area. The assessment of the club’s playing strength would have been enhanced by the submission of further evidence. There is a player pathway framework but this would require further investment before it would be considered to be of Super League standard.

HALIFAX RLFC

The club has previously made a good contribution to Super League but is significantly restrained by the incomplete nature of their stadium. This makes financial projections and marketing plans difficult to produce with any degree of certainty. Player development structures would require further investment before they could be considered of a Super League standard. However the club’s first team performances are consistently at the higher end of National League 1 over recent seasons.

HARLEQUINS RL

The Stoop provides good facilities across the board. The club relies on significant shareholder support and is seeking additional investment. Crowds have fluctuated and the club is looking to increase attendances on the back of stability in a good stadium. The recently appointed new management is tapping into a large catchment area and making the most of a robust community programme. The club has been reasonably successful in Super League and has a well resourced playing department. There are emerging local players but the club’s juniors are not yet regularly attracting national honours.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

The stadium is an excellent 13 year old facility despite the absence of some facilities that a new build might have. The club has a dependency on shareholder support and will need to deliver on a strong commercial plan to achieve the projected increases in turnover and profitability. Attendances have improved significantly since a Challenge Cup Final appearance and with the recruitment of key commercial and marketing staff. The club has invested in the first team and will need to ensure that scholarship and academy structures are sufficient to produce Club Trained players.

HULL FC

The club plays in an excellent stadium and has high attendances. The club is well organised in all areas of marketing - particularly its community and Customer Relationship Management programmes – and is commercially strong. The club has historic and projected profits and operates with little external financial input. Despite a recent dip in playing form this season the club achieves high marks in most areas of playing strength.

HULL KINGSTON ROVERS

This is the club’s second year in Super League and it is showing strong potential. The club has invested significantly in improving its facilities, much of which is behind the scenes. Further significant developments are planned. This commendable investment has required, and will continue to require, strong financial management. The club’s commercial plan is well thought through and logical and its community work is achieving results. The assessment of the club’s player performance strategy would have been enhanced by the submission of further evidence, particularly with Academy Reserves but there is a growing infrastructure since promotion to Super League.

LEEDS RHINOS

An example of an older stadium that has had significant improvements, with more planned. The club has historic and projected profits and strong net assets. Commercially the club has produced good results and they achieve high attendances. The club’s playing record speaks for itself and the club is producing quality Club Trained players.

LEIGH CENTURIONS

The new stadium is close to opening. Inspection of the current site, together with a review of the current plans, suggests that it will be an excellent facility. The new stadium provides the basis on which the club might develop into a strong candidate for Super League by developing its existing structures in a number of areas. Recruitment will need to take place to help deliver the good, reasoned commercial plan. The club has strong historic and predicted shareholder reliance. Evidence was provided of investment in youth production, which would require further strengthening to achieve Super League standards.

SALFORD CITY REDS

Whilst well maintained, the ground is limited and old fashioned. However, the club recognise this and has relatively advanced plans for a new stadium and are on site. The Willows offers good corporate facilities and disabled facilities. Despite previous relegations from Super League the club has a long history of financial stability. The club’s commercial and marketing plans appear well developed and will allow them to make use of a new stadium and access to the Salford and Manchester conurbations. The club’s player performance strategy is very diligent in every area and there is a strong infrastructure although the club currently struggle with under 16 player development.

ST HELENS

The ground is an old and tired stadium. However, a new stadium is planned and has recently secured planning permission. The club’s financial position and commercial activities are constrained by the current stadium. Financial plans are based around a new facility. The club is a market leader in merchandise. On the playing side, the club has a strong infrastructure and again are market leaders in junior production.

TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE

The club would offer geographic expansion and independent market research shows some support for Super League in Toulouse. Despite the club’s commendable commitment to player production there is a concern that it has a limited supply of Super League standard player talent in the area. The club has established strong business links and is well placed for commercial development, although the club would need to work hard to meet its financial projections. The application proposed using two quality facilities whilst the club’s own ground was being redeveloped.

WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS

Whilst well maintained, the ground is limited and old fashioned. However, the club recognise this and have plans for a new stadium. These are not as far advanced as might be the case despite projected occupation by 2010 and evidence of a Plan B would have been beneficial. There is good progress within community development and attendances are improving. Evidence of specific commercial measurable targets with the commercial strategy would have assisted. There has been a recent improvement on the pitch and increased investment in the playing department. Youth development works reasonably well and pre-16 players are attracting national honours but the club has not always been able to retain the best local talent.

WARRINGTON WOLVES

The club plays in a quality new stadium which in all but one or two aspects is excellent. Further ground improvements are planned and although financial projections are challenging, the club has a good record in this area. The club has strong sponsorship packages and a good commercial plan. The club has performed reasonably well in Super League and has invested well in its playing infrastructure and now needs to start contesting major finals and semi-finals. At this stage it is not yet developing Club Trained internationals.

WIDNES VIKINGS

The stadium is an appropriate size and well appointed following significant investment in recent years. The club has been in the difficult position of seeking to take into account the club’s historical attendance and playing records but naturally distancing itself from the previous regime’s financial record. The current company has only been in existence for a few months following insolvency in October 2007. Early indications are that under new ownership the club has made very good progress so far and has attracted good sponsors and the support of the local authority. The club has maintained a reasonable playing infrastructure despite being in the National League but this would require further investment to ensure that they could be competitive in Super League particularly within Club Trained rules.

WIGAN WARRIORS

The club is playing in an excellent stadium and attracts good attendances. There is currently some reliance on the new majority shareholder. The club has strong commercial plans and is a market leader in many aspects of marketing and commercial activity. The club has had what it will view as disappointing Super League results in recent seasons and now seems to be making use of its excellent playing infrastructure. The club achieves national honours at scholarship level and has expressed commitment to converting more into the first team squad.

No surprises then. Gone as predicted. Now for anyone else to get in they must win or be runner up in the NL1 GF. Seams stupid that that must happen with a set of substandard players. How many will invest in all criteria only to be denied access when coming third. The players will change when they move up anyway. The teams coming in have three years to prove themselves. If Edinburgh Eagles or a French outfit want in in 2011 what do they have to do to prove themselves. This could be fun over the next three years, HC

Having just read the summary of each club's application I felt that Wire's application must have been a bit dodgy- it didn't post them in the most positive of lights.

I also feel that the franchise's haven been given out on 'future potential' and the information the clubs have provided themselves- fundamentally, they are not going to speak negatively of themselves and are going to try to make themselves of bigger potential. It seems for some of the teams that have poor stadia, they have got out of jail by saying 'we have plans for a new stadium somewhere in the pipeline...and then with the extra revenue from this we will do a,b and c'. Wakey and Cas' stadium's might not even be ready for the next round of bidding for a franchise, giving them a get out next time.

I would like to have a look at the actual dossier of scores given against each of the criteria...but perhaps i'm just a cynic who would prefer to travel to widnes rather than bridgend.

the_cow wrote:Having just read the summary of each club's application I felt that Wire's application must have been a bit dodgy- it didn't post them in the most positive of lights.

There doesn't seem a great deal of substance behind that summary does there!? The club trained player thing is particularly poor IMO. I am pretty sure they have tried to feed of our clubs labours in terms of youth players for some time now. I am sure we get the odd post from those who follow the junior players about how Wire have offered them a big contract to sign for them.

I also feel that the franchise's haven been given out on 'future potential' and the information the clubs have provided themselves- fundamentally, they are not going to speak negatively of themselves and are going to try to make themselves of bigger potential. It seems for some of the teams that have poor stadia, they have got out of jail by saying 'we have plans for a new stadium somewhere in the pipeline...and then with the extra revenue from this we will do a,b and c'. Wakey and Cas' stadium's might not even be ready for the next round of bidding for a franchise, giving them a get out next time.

The more I read it the more I am convinced Wakey are very lucky to be in. There is nothing positive about it and I think they owe a lot to the players getting them into a good CC position and Cas for being poor in the league because if they were down the bottom of the league I could not see how they could survive. It is as you say based on potential rather than fact.

This has got to be the last chance saloon for Wakey.

Dave

I agree with Ian Lenaghan, in that I'd have liked to see Widnes in, at the expense of one of the Yorkshire clubs. Nice to see Celtic get in, though.

GeoffN wrote:I agree with Ian Lenaghan, in that I'd have liked to see Widnes in, at the expense of one of the Yorkshire clubs. Nice to see Celtic get in, though.

Totally agree Geoff, there are currently to many yarkshire sides in the league and not enough West of the Penines, at some point i would like to see a Cumbrian side admitted before another French side, but it still doesn't seem likely, there was some talk in the local paper, that a Cumbrian side was being thought about, whether this would involve a merger between Whitehaven/Workington/Barrow, was something they where looking into, IMO Barrow has the right infra structure in place, it has good links to the M6, decent public transport links, they a getting a new £200+ million marina complex/village & maybe a new state of the art stadium will be included in this, the town has a growing population and there are several RL towns within the area including the oldest amatuer club in the world (we are part of the heartland), if only the right backers where found to bring the Raiders upto SL standard

I would think that after the three years, clubs that have not met the criteria that originally gained them the franchise places will be expelled, (Future ground proposals, improved junior development etc), from the new round of franchises.

It is, as some have said, going to be very interesting in three years time. If clubs from say London and Scotland (and an enhanced effort from Toulouse) make bids, the RFL, based on these decisions, will seriously IMO look to replace Wakey, Cas and maybe Hull KR! :doz: in order to expand nationally.

Dont really want Celtic in, or Wakefield but have to bite the bullet.

Barrow is an interesting one, a merger is purely out of the question, it'd be like merging st helens and wigan with a 60 mile divide.

Nice transport links as you said, lovely train journey (sundays?) etc etc... expect to see Barrow have a punt in 2011...

super league up to 16 teams?

medlocke wrote:

GeoffN wrote:I agree with Ian Lenaghan, in that I'd have liked to see Widnes in, at the expense of one of the Yorkshire clubs. Nice to see Celtic get in, though.

Totally agree Geoff, there are currently to many yarkshire sides in the league and not enough West of the Penines, at some point i would like to see a Cumbrian side admitted before another French side, but it still doesn't seem likely, there was some talk in the local paper, that a Cumbrian side was being thought about, whether this would involve a merger between Whitehaven/Workington/Barrow, was something they where looking into, IMO Barrow has the right infra structure in place, it has good links to the M6, decent public transport links, they a getting a new £200+ million marina complex/village & maybe a new state of the art stadium will be included in this, the town has a growing population and there are several RL towns within the area including the oldest amatuer club in the world (we are part of the heartland), if only the right backers where found to bring the Raiders upto SL standard

You don't have to be up to SL standards -look at the tems that are in!

"the_cow" wrote:
Having just read the summary of each club's application I felt that Wire's application must have been a bit dodgy- it didn't post them in the most positive of lights.


There doesn't seem a great deal of substance behind that summary does there!? The club trained player thing is particularly poor IMO. I am pretty sure they have tried to feed of our clubs labours in terms of youth players for some time now. I am sure we get the odd post from those who follow the junior players about how Wire have offered them a big contract to sign for them.

"The club plays in a quality new stadium which in all but one or two aspects is excellent. Further ground improvements are planned and although financial projections are challenging, the club has a good record in this area. The club has strong sponsorship packages and a good commercial plan. The club has performed reasonably well in Super League and has invested well in its playing infrastructure and now needs to start contesting major finals and semi-finals. At this stage it is not yet developing Club Trained internationals."

what are these one or two aspects considering this stadium is only a few years old? shouldn't the stadium be top banana considering it is one of the newest? why should there be a need to improve the ground further when it's completely new?

financial projections are challenging? struggling to pay back the loan on the ground (if there is one)? struggling to pay all the payments to the off-shore bank accounts? crowd attendances not as high as anticipated consiering massive team investment? challenging financial projections but then a massive wage bill that seems to have no bounds...

good commercial plan but financial projections are chellenging? contradiction surely- we are showing that we might struggle financially, but we have a plan to get out of it...by the chairman bailing us out perhaps?

Plus then lack of home grown talent...